Scanner Issue!!!

[scannerman200]

I have just gotten cable internet. I can have my scanners anywhere in my apt, and interference comes in on frequencies. You can hear the frequencies, but a loud sound is in the frequency. Seems that if my computer is completely shut down, the noise does not exists. Any suggestions? Also, some frequencies I have programmed will come in with just interference sound.

 

[N4JNW]

Shame you're in an apt...

I'd reccomend an outside antenna.. Does your scanner have an attenuator? You might try turning it on, but be warned it's gonna attenuate everything including stuff you wanna hear..

Try maybe lining the inside of the scanner case with multiple layers of aluminum foil? Something to provide some extra shielding MIGHT reduce the noise.

Naturally, the farther away you can get your scanners from the computer/modem is best, it's not always practical..

 

[crayon]

Do you have a flat screen or a laptop?

 

[gmclam]

I have several scanners, and several computers, and devices around the property which are wireless (cordless phone, security cameras, etc). When I have a scanner near one of the devices (especially a computer), the scanner will lock onto SOME frequencies. I've just gotten in the habit of locking out certain channels on certain scanners when they are in certain places. For example, there might be a freq that locks up on the PRO-92, but I can receive it with the PRO-95 (and visa versa).

1. Make sure all the covers are on your computers. Some people take the covers off to let them run cooler; but the metal cover does shield some RF.

2. Make sure all cable TV cables are TERMINATED. Do not leave any unconnected cables or "ports" on splitters. If you have an unsed port on a splitter, or an active cable outlet on the wall that has nothing connected, put a 75 ohm terminator on it. Otherwise the cable is broadcasting.

3. Make sure all cable connections are tight. Not torqued, just tight.

4. I assume you are getting your Internet from cable TV. This makes me wonder where your cable modem is and how long of a connection it has. Next I wonder about the ethernet cable from the modem to your computer .. or do you use a router .. or is it all wireless? There are too many possibilities here to provide thoughts of where there might be RF leakage, or it is typical radiation.


Good luck,
George

 

[scannerman200]

I have basic cable internet. I use directv for TV. The modem cable runs from the cable outlet in the wall under the rug to the computer.

 

[N4JNW]

You might try finding a better quality cable.. Something with loads of shielding..

 

[gmclam]

It sounds like a little experimentation will at least narrow down the source of the intereference. Set it up so you are getting the interference on your scanner. Turn off each piece of equipment, one at a time, to see where it comes from. Turn off your display, computer and the cable modem separately. If the interference is still there, then turn it all off, and turn each device on one at a time. It could be just one device doing the bad deed, or it could be the accumulation of all the devices at once. The result will point you in the direction of what needs to be replaced, shielded, or whatever.

Good luck,
George

 

[scannerman200]

Whats weird is sometimes when I close a web page out, the noise immediately stops.

 

[gmclam]

Whats weird is sometimes when I close a web page out, the noise immediately stops.

I get that too from one of my computers in some situations. The computer is older and not shielded as well. I've found a place for the affected scanner which is a good distance from the emitting PC.

 

[AZScanner]

My advice, see what happens when you turn off the monitor. If the noise goes away there you go - find a new one that is Energy Star compliant and that should help tremendously.

-AZ

 

[Bucko]

Could be the monitor, I have had more trouble with monitors than the computers. My Samtron ( Energy Star compliant ) puts noise on HF but not VHF. I have noticed changing the resolution will change the freq range of noise and the level of noise.

 

[kb9hgi]

I have cable broadband and the computer and 3 scanners are on the same desk no problem here but my cable modem and routers are across the room. Once I did have a problem QVC shopping channel was coming in on a feq but it was all due to a cable leak from the old man that lives below me.

 

[lgentle]

You can also try chaning the refresh rate of the monitor. Usually monitors can operate on different frequenices just for this type of reason or if the monitor is flickering.

Right-click on desktop
Properties
Settings tab
Advanced button
Monitor tab

 

[awall]

I had that same problem so I made an antena and put it in the attic brought down one cable (RG59U) Used a 4 way splitter (5-1000 meg) and hooked all the scanners to the one antena and it works great.

 

[scannerman200]

I found the issue!! When I unplugged the power cable from the cable modem, the noise stops. Issue resolved.

 

[gmclam]

I found the issue!! When I unplugged the power cable from the cable modem, the noise stops. Issue resolved.

GREAT! And how are you able to post the above message? Hmmm...

 

[scannerman200]

I am on a different system

 

[mikie333]

I have just gotten cable internet. I can have my scanners anywhere in my apt, and interference comes in on frequencies. You can hear the frequencies, but a loud sound is in the frequency. Seems that if my computer is completely shut down, the noise does not exists. Any suggestions? Also, some frequencies I have programmed will come in with just interference sound.

what kind of "sound" are you hearing?

i might have the same problem, my scanners are a few feet from my modem, and i notice that a fq (a VHF, fire dispatch, which is usually VERY strong) barley 'comes in.'

though, also, i am in a basement near a small window (obvi, that reduces my quality, but in other parts of the basement, i recieve that fq just fine)

 

[gmclam]

It sounds like it could be the cable modem radiating, or the ethernet cable to the computer (assuming you are not using that when it is gone). Perhaps putting the cable modem into a metal box would shield the RF. Otherwise you might need ethernet cable from the modem to the computer that is shorter and/or better shielded. It makes me wonder if the cable modem passed FCC part 15 testing.